Here are some handy-dandy etiquette tips to ensure that you are properly presenting yourself on Social Networking sites.
This post focuses on Facebook, however much of it can be applied to other networking sites.
Basic Facebook Etiquette:
- If you don’t know someone, don’t friend them.
- Behave online as you would offline.
- Respect the privacy of other’s online information.
- Share, but don’t overshare.
Communicating on Facebook:
- Prior to posting content that may be inflammatory or controversial, consider how your communication would be viewed if it was read out of context.
- Do not respond to, or initiate, inflammatory language.
- Don’t vent on Facebook. While you have Freedom of Speach, don’t forget that Facebook is an electronic “paper-trail.”
- Treat social networking as a business-like form of communication.
Remember:
The Facebook Wall is a public forum. People, too often, post things publicly which should be private communication. Facebook has a solution for this, it is called an inbox.
What you say/post on Facebook (or any other Social Networking site for that matter) can be there FOREVER! Even after an account is deleted. Therefore, it is important that you use common sense and think about what you post, before you post it.
I was told once that if you wouldn’t post a picture, status update, or comment on a billboard for your parents, children, and employer to see… it shouldn’t be shared on Social Networking sites.
The Dreaded Un-Friend:
Un-Friending can be an uncomfortable event, but sometimes it is necessary. However, there are other steps you can take if un-friending is something you’d like to avoid.
On Facebook you can block user’s status updates, and they will no longer show up in your newsfeed. This is a great option if you’re tired of reading the annoying, mundane, or offensive posts of others.
You can also block your information. Facebook allows users to create Friend lists. With these lists you can group friends into categories (such as professional, family, friends etc.) and, using privacy setting controls, adjust which groups have access to what on your profile and which status updates they see.
